Free Classical Guitar Lesson #10 - Rujero

Rujero

Popular 17th Century Dance Form on the Classical Guitar

Rujero is a dance form that is similar to the pavane (usually a slow court dance of the 16th & 17th centuries, often in duple time) but often played at a more "hectic" pace. Actually, I have recorded this piece (see youtube video below) a bit slower than is normal in keeping with the "beginner" theme of this site. Feel free to speed up the tempo because it still sounds great!

The composer, Gaspar Sanz, was a Spanish composer and guitarist born in 1640 and died circa 1710. He became a professor of music graduating from Salamanca University, the second oldest university in Spain. Sanz was also a dedicated priest who took holy orders and his music cannot be separated from his lifelong strong faith. Indeed, it added a wonderfully rich and spiritual dimension to his music.

The piece itself is very satisfying to play with its strong melody, including the beautiful grace notes in bars 1, 3, 5, 9 & 15. The key is D major, which makes the piece all the more "bright & happy" for want of a better expression :))

Overall there are 16 bars and it's almost a "call and response" in terms of the two 8 bar sections and even each 4 bar section, 1 to 2 and 3 to 4. In terms of musical expression it is a good idea to play these aforementioned phrases "tasto" (towards the headstock) and ponticello (towards the bridge). This aids the "call and response" effect and adds to the musicality of your performance, which is always a good thing.

Additionally, because Rujero is in the key of D major, you're basically playing in the second position (your first finger starting at the second fret). That explains some of the fingerings where you're using your first finger on the "D" note on the second string, 3rd fret and the "C#" on the 2nd fret, 2nd string. Indeed, I've tried to use the "stronger" fingers of the left hand to aid in the articulation of notes throughout the piece.




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